Suffolk University Patrol Car Finishes First In 2003 Best Police Vehicle Design Competition

7/10/2003

The Suffolk University Police and Security Department is riding high after its patrol car was awarded first place in the 2003 Best Police Vehicle Design Competition.

Suffolk finished on top in the federal or state agency category in the 15th annual competition, co-sponsored by Law and Order magazine and Avery Dennison.

The East Carolina University Police Department from Greenville, North Carolina came in second place, while the Texas A&M/Commerce Police Department from Commerce, Texas finished third.

“I was very pleased and surprised upon learning that we won,” said John Pagliarulo, Chief of the Suffolk University Police and Security Department. “It’s a boost to our department and our school and everyone deserves credit for a job well done.”

The winning creative team was comprised of Pagliarulo and members of his staff, including Lieutenant Michael Ryan, Sergeant Donald Toussaint and staff member Mikhail Ilin.

“We wanted a design that was simple and clean looking,” explained Pagliarulo. “This was accomplished through the utilization of the University colors (blue and gold), as well as the use of the official University seal. We chose a black and white vehicle for its ‘traditional’ look. This is the first year that this design has been used.”

A total of 80 police agencies and 155 vehicles from across the country participated in the competition. After viewing the Suffolk police car, a 2002 Crown Victoria, three independent judges put together the following assessment.

“The use of color against a basic black and white police car provides a modern look while maintaining a sense of tradition. Also, the use of school colors ties the police closely to the University population it represents.”

The U.S. license plate on the Suffolk police car is a special plate offered by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles. Said Pagliarulo, “We chose to purchase this plate because the additional fee goes to the Massachusetts 9/11 fund and to support local police and fire departments.”

As the first place winner, Pagliarulo’s department will receive a cash prize of $300 which it will donate to The Jimmy Fund. A photograph of Suffolk’s winning vehicle design will also be featured in the July issue of Law and Order magazine.

“Winning this award took a great team effort,” said Pagliarulo. “Everyone worked together to make this happen and it feels good to be the champions.”